Allamah Hilli (r.a.) held a dialogue with the Ahle Tasannun scholars in the court of King Muhammad Khuda Banda. When the debate was over and the rightfulness of the religion of the twelve infallible Imams (a.s.) became as clear as daylight, Allamah Hilli (r.a.) delivered an eloquent sermon beginning with the praise of Allah and salutations on the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and the infallible Imams (a.s.).
When Sayyed Mosuli (a Sunni scholar who had suffered defeat in the debate) heard this, he asked – What is the proof in support of sending salutations on persons other than the prophets?
Without disturbing his sermon, Allamah Hilli (r.a.) replied by reciting the verse:
‘Who, when a misfortune befalls them, say: Surely we are Allah’s and to Him we shall surely return. Those are they on whom are blessings and mercy from their Lord…’ (Surah Baqarah (2): Verse 156-157)
Allamah Hilli (r.a.) wanted to convey that as innumerable calamities befell Ahle Bait (a.s.) and they remained patient only for the sake of Allah, that is why they are worthy of salutations.
On hearing this, Sayyed Mosuli continued obstinately – Which calamity befell the progeny of the Prophet in which they remained patient and became worthy of salutation?
Allamah (who was a Shaikh) gave an apt reply – What can be a greater calamity on the Ahle Bait (a.s.) that in their generations is born a person like you who prefers accursed hypocrites and ignorant ones to his venerable ancestors!
The audience burst into laughter at this and all became very surprised and pleased to hear this reply.
Muwaiz al-Muttaqeen by Sayyed Muhammad Mahdi from Lulu al-Bahrain